Page 19 of Corrupt Crown

CHAPTER 6

ELODIE

Once I’ve showeredand dressed, I feel a little more like myself, so squaring my shoulders, I tug down on my bedroom door handle, intent on finding someone who can answer the million and one questions zinging through my mind.

But before I’ve even taken a step into the hallway beyond, a broad chest overtakes my line of sight. I tilt my head up, my eyes widening when they land on the giant in my doorway.

He’s easily the biggest man I’ve ever seen, with a thatch of messy dark brown hair and big green eyes fringed with long, sooty lashes. Eyes that tell me he’s not here to play.

But despite his enormous size, sheer girth, and no-nonsense demeanor, I’ve hadenoughof this shit. I want answers.

“I need to see Rafe rightnow.”

The giant narrows his eyes, glowering down at me, fully expecting me to cower, but I’m having none of it.

Not today, fucker.

I step back, planting my hands on my hips to spear him with a look. “Did you hear me, or do I need to speak slower, Sasquatch?”

“What the hell is a Sasquatch?” His face creases, and I roll my eyes.

“Does Big Foot ring a bell?”

The corner of his mouth twitches once, then twice before his lips curve upwards. I watch his face slowly transform before he throws his head back, howling with laughter. His entire body quakes from the force of it as I stand stock still, my forehead crumpling in confusion.

When he looks back down at me, his eyes are twinkling. “I like it. I think I’m finally figuring out why he went rogue yesterday.”

Before I can ask what he means, he continues with a broad grin. “Sasquatch is a new one.” Then he gestures to his body as a whole. “When you go around looking like this, nicknames and insults all sound the same. I appreciate the originality,Coniglietta.”

My stare is blank as he watches my reaction for a beat until I pop an eyebrow, folding my arms across my chest with as much sass as I can muster. “Take me to him.”

His smile widens slightly as he leans against the door frame.

“No can do. I’m under strict instructions. You stayhereuntil further notice.”

“At least tell me why I’m here.”

His nonchalant shrug makes my jaw clench.

“Find me someone who can answer my questions then.”

“Patience is a virtue.”

My voice drops to a dangerous whisper as I step closer until we’re toe to toe. “If you expect patience, I’m afraid you’re shit out of luck.”

I make several attempts to look past him, but the fucker is just too damn big. Letting out a growl of sheer frustration, I step back to look around the space, my brain working overtime to think of a way out of this mess, when my eyes light on the balcony.

“Fine.” I smirk at Sasquatch as I stride toward the doors leading outside. “Then I’ll just have toclimbout of here.”

He doesn’t so much as blink as I call his bluff. I grip the rail and make the mistake of glancing down. My head feels light when I realize we’re up much higher than I’d initially thought. Several long minutes pass, and my forehead wrinkles as I weigh my options before my hulking guard calls out behind me.

“Be my guest.” I glance over my shoulder, grinding my teeth when I spot his knowing smirk. “But it’s a long way down,Coniglietta.”

I push away from the rail, storming back inside as my jailor’s chest rumbles with a chuckle, and I release a loud huff.

Before I can retort, Maria reappears, looking flushed and slightly out of breath.

“Don Rafael can see you now.”